FOLLOWING the success of his company’s sponsorship of the Irish Derby and the Irish Open Golf Championship, Dubai Duty Free’s executive vice chair and CEO, Colm McLoughlin, was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to the Aviation Industry award in Dublin.

McLoughlin, who celebrated his 50th anniversary in the duty free industry on June 1st this year was recognised for his achievements over five decades, in particular for his role at the helm of Dubai Duty Free over the past 35 years.

The Irishman thanked the organisers and said: “I am thrilled to be honoured in this way by the aviation sector in Ireland.

“I began my duty free career in Shannon Airport, so this means a lot to me to be recognised in my home country.

“As always, I fully recognise the support that I get from our terrific team of staff at Dubai Duty Free who do a great job in running our operation.

“I am also extremely thankful for the support that I receive from our chairman, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who is a superstar.

“We have just recently concluded two of our major sponsorships in Ireland, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, both of which were a great success and which generated extensive media coverage for our brand.

“The fact that the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open took place in Lahinch this year, which is close to Shannon Airport where the duty free industry began, made it special.”

Previous recipients of the award include Willie Walsh and the late Dr Tony Ryan.